single thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"single thing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to any individual object, action, or concept. For example: "He was focused on only one single thing - making money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not a single thing".

The New York Times

Every single thing counts.

The New York Times - Sports

It's no single thing.

The New Yorker

No single thing was.

The Economist

"I've earned every single thing.

The New Yorker

That's the single thing.

Harvard Business Review

As a single thing.

The Guardian - Arts

Every single thing.

The Guardian - Business

I fought for every single thing".

The New York Times - Sports

"A single thing, a single life".

The New York Times - Arts

They want every single thing Louise has".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "single thing" to emphasize the importance of one specific item or action when multiple options or factors are present.

Common error

Avoid stringing multiple clauses together with "single thing", as it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Break down complex sentences for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "single thing" primarily functions as a noun phrase that refers to a particular object, item, action, or concept. It is often used to emphasize the importance or uniqueness of that item within a given context, as exemplified in Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "single thing" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to emphasize a specific item, action or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous real-world examples demonstrating its use across diverse contexts, primarily within news and media. While exhibiting a neutral register, it can be used in professional settings to highlight the importance of one particular element. When writing, you should use "single thing" to focus on one specific item or action when multiple options or factors are present. However, avoid overuse in complex sentences. Alternatives such as "individual item", "sole entity" or "unique object" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only object

Directly states there are no others.

individual item

Focuses on the object being one of many.

particular item

Points out a specific, individual item.

sole entity

Emphasizes the exclusiveness of being the only one.

singular aspect

Highlights one aspect of a larger subject.

unique object

Highlights the distinctiveness of the object.

individual element

Similar to isolated element but less about separation.

isolated element

Stresses the separation of the element from others.

discrete entity

Focuses on the independent existence of the item.

mere detail

Underlines a small and possibly insignificant element.

FAQs

How to use "single thing" in a sentence?

You can use "single thing" to emphasize a specific item or action. For example, "He focused on one "single thing": winning the race."

What can I say instead of "single thing"?

You can use alternatives like "individual item", "sole entity", or "unique object" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "one single thing"?

While "single" inherently implies one, using "one single thing" can add emphasis, although it may sometimes be seen as slightly redundant.

What's the difference between "single thing" and "only thing"?

"Single thing" emphasizes individuality, while "only thing" indicates that there are no other options or elements to consider.